Mike Preston grades the Ravens' 28-13 win over the New England Patriots

Despite his receivers dropping passes early, Joe Flacco showed no frustration and ripped into the Patriots in the third quarter, completing 11 of 18 passes. The back-shoulder throw to receiver Anquan Boldin early in the fourth quarter was a beauty.

Despite his receivers dropping passes early, Joe Flacco showed no frustration and ripped into the Patriots in the third quarter, completing 11 of 18 passes. The back-shoulder throw to receiver Anquan Boldin early in the fourth quarter was a beauty. (Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.)

Starting tailback Ray Rice (pictured) had a slow start, but he made some big plays as a runner and receiver. The Ravens got a lot of juice from backup running back Bernard Pierce and his downhill running ability. They didn't have big numbers, but were solid.

Starting tailback Ray Rice (pictured) had a slow start, but he made some big plays as a runner and receiver. The Ravens got a lot of juice from backup running back Bernard Pierce and his downhill running ability. They didn't have big numbers, but were solid. (Baltimore Sun photo by Lloyd Fox)

Offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell opened up the offense in the second half and started taking more chances downfield with Anquan Boldin (pictured) and Torrey Smith. The Patriots had no answer for Boldin in the second half, but this team needs to work on come-back routes. Tight end Dennis Pitta...

Offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell opened up the offense in the second half and started taking more chances downfield with Anquan Boldin (pictured) and Torrey Smith. The Patriots had no answer for Boldin in the second half, but this team needs to work on come-back routes. Tight end Dennis Pitta... (Lloyd Fox, Baltimore Sun)

This group has been outstanding ever since veteran Bryant McKinnie was inserted back as the starting left tackle. Right guard Marshal Yanda (pictured at left) was outstanding and wears down opponents. Center Matt Birk did a nice job when the Patriots went to a four-man front. Left guard Kelechi...

This group has been outstanding ever since veteran Bryant McKinnie was inserted back as the starting left tackle. Right guard Marshal Yanda (pictured at left) was outstanding and wears down opponents. Center Matt Birk did a nice job when the Patriots went to a four-man front. Left guard Kelechi... (Baltimore Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam)

The Patriots had a lot of yardage, but the Ravens were strong in preventing big plays. The Ravens shuffled a lot of players and were prepared for New England's no-huddle attack. Tackle Haloti Ngata had two quarterback pressures and finished with four tackles. Tackle Ma'ake Kemoeatu had five...

The Patriots had a lot of yardage, but the Ravens were strong in preventing big plays. The Ravens shuffled a lot of players and were prepared for New England's no-huddle attack. Tackle Haloti Ngata had two quarterback pressures and finished with four tackles. Tackle Ma'ake Kemoeatu had five... (Baltimore Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam)